Collapsible trap for crabs and the like

ABSTRACT

Two opposite sides of a rectangular trap are hinge connected to both the top and bottom of the trap. The remaining two sides are hinge connected to only the bottom and are adapted to be folded inwardly into a position flat against the bottom. Then, the top and one of the double hinged sides are folded downwardly onto the bottom and the remaining double hinged side. A framed tunnel opening is provided in each side for receiving a removable rigid wire tunnel.

United States Patent Olsen Mar. 5 1974 [54] COLLAPSIBLE TRAP FOR CRABSAND THE 1,185,798 6/1916 Hofer 43/100 X LIKE 2,760,297 8/1956 Buyken43/105 75 Inventor: Robert 5. Olsen, Seattle, Wash. FOREIGN PATENTS 0RAPPLICATIONS Assignee: Northwest Wire works, Inc. 49,964 12/1917 Sweden43/105 Seattle, Wash. Primary ExammerLouis G. Mancene 1 Flledi Mali 1972Assistant Examiner-J. N. Eskovitz [21] Appl. No.: 237,384

[57] ABSTRACT 52 U5. Cl. 43/105, 43/100 Opposite Sides of a rectangularP are hinge 51 Int. Cl A0lk 69/08 connected to both the top and bottomtrap- The [58] Field of Search 43/100, 101 103 105 66; remaining twosides are hinge connected to only the 119/2 bottom and are adapted to befolded inwardly into a position flat against the bottom. Then, the topand one [56] References Cited of the double hinged sides are foldeddownwardly UNITED STATES PATENTS onto the bottom and the remainingdouble hinged 'side. A framed tunnel opening is provided in each side li g for receiving a removable rigid wire tunnel. en nc son.....3,373,523 3/1968 Olafson 43/100 9 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PATENTEU MAR74 SHEET 1 BF 4 PAIENIE HAR 5:974

sumzorq Il g PAIENTEBMAR SIQH 795.073

SHEET 3 0F 4 SHEET 4 OF 4 PATENTED 5 74 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1.Field of the Invention This invention relates to traps for catchingcrabs or the like. More particularly, it relates to economical trapswhich are collapsible into a flat compact package for storage.

2. Description of the Prior Art Various types of collapsible crab trapshave been proposed. Examples of known traps are disclosed by U.S. Pat.No. 1,146,698, granted July 13, 1915, to Robert M. Franklin; by U.S.Pat. No. 2,760,297, granted on Aug. 28, 1956 to Frank E. Buyken; by U.S.Pat. No. 2,769,274, granted Nov. 6, 1956, to Nels M. Ougland, and byU.S. Pat. No. 3,373,523, granted on Mar. 19, 1968 to Theodore Olafson. Adisadvantage of these prior art traps is that they cannot beeconomically manufactured.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to the provision of acollapsible trap for crab or the like which can be economicallymanufactured by utilization of modern wire basket technology, involvingmachine forming, assembly and welding of wire. hoops and rods. The trapof this invention is an outgrowth of some work I did in helping todevelop a folding fish trap which is disclosed in the Dec. 4, 1970,publication of the National Marine Fisheries Service, by Fred W. Hipkinsand Alan J. Beardsley.

According to the present invention, the trap is made rectangular in formand comprises a top panel, a bottom panel and four side panels. Twooppositely situated side panels are hinge connected to both the toppanel and the bottom panel. The remaining two side panels are hingeconnected to only one of the top and bottom panels. They are alsoproperly sized so that they can be freely swung inwardly into a positionflat against the panel to which they are connected. The top panel, thebottom panel and the double hinge side panels are adapted to becollapsed into a flat position, with the two single hinged side panelsinside.

Each of the six wall panels comprises a closed metal wire frame formingits periphery. At least one (but preferably all) of the side panelsincludes a tunnel opening defined by only opposite side portions of itsperipheral main frame and a single pair of perpendicular intermediateframe rods. A removable rigid metal wire tunnel is insertable into eachtunnel opening. Each tunnel comprises a closed loop entrance frame ofwire which adds rigidity to its side panel. In a preferred form of theinvention the six panels of the trap are secured together in arectangular box forming spaced relationship by means of only four cornerplaced elastomeric straps. When the panels are in such box formingrelationship the main frames of the six panels provide a pair of framemembers along each edge of the trap. Collectively the panel main framesform a simple skeletal structure which renders the trap economical tomanufacture while at the same time is quite structurally adequate.

This invention also relates to certain more detailed constructionalfeatures of the trap which are described in detail in the description ofthe illustrated embodiment which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is an isometric view of a crabtrap embodying principles of the invention, taken from above and lookingtowards the top and two sides of the trap, showing three of theremovable tunnels in spaced relationship outwardly from the openingsprovided therefor in the side panels of the trap, and also showing thecatch removal door swung upwardly into an open position;

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view taken through the trap of FIG.1, showing the door closed and the side tunnels in place, such viewomitting the background wall and tunnel for simplicity of illustration;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along line3-3 of FIG. 2, showing one of the tunnels in top plan;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 1, but showing all four tunnelsremoved, the top down, and the two single hinged side walls swunginwardly, preparatory to collapsing the remaining walls of the trap;

FIG. 5 is an exploded isometric view of one of the side panels;

FIG. 6 is a view showing all components of the. trap separated from eachother;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the trap assembled but with the tunnelsremoved;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7, but showing the two single hingedsides of the trap folded inwardly on top of the bottom panel; and

. FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIGS. 7 and 8, but showing one of thedouble hinged side panels and the top panel being collapsed downwardlytowards a position in which they are generally against the second doublehinged side panel and the bottom panel.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to the several figuresof the drawing, the preferred form of trap basically comprises a toppanel 10, a bottom panel 12, two double hinged side panels 14, 16, andtwo single hinged side panels 18, 20. The trap also includes means forhinge connecting such panels 10, l2, l4, l6, I8, 20 together in such amanner that they can be folded or collapsed into a substantially flatcondition and connector means for securing them together into arectangular box forming spaced relationship, as will hereinafter bedescribed in detail.

As most clearly shown by parts. FIG. 6, each of the panels l0, l2, 14,16, 18, 20 comprises a rectangular metal wire main frame at itsperiphery, giving it hoop" strength. The top panel 10 supports a door22. The door 22 closes a catch removal opening in the top panel 10. Thisopening is defined at its sides by a pair of spaced apart, parallel,intermediate frame rods 24, 26. These rods 24, 26 are rigidlyinterconnected between opposite side portions of the main frame 28. Theopening is defined at its inner end by a cross rod 30 which is rigidlyinterconnected between the two remaining sides of the frame 28. At itsouter end the opening is defined by the side portion of frame member 28which extends between the intermediate rods 24, 26. Thus, the

opening is itself framed by the relatively heavy duty wire or rodmaterial from which the various frame members are made. The regions ofthe top panel 10 outwardly of the intermediate frame rods 24, 26, 30 areclosed by wire mesh material.

' The door 22 comprises a rectangular frame 32 at its periphery and meshmaterial 36 inwardly of said frame 32. The door 22 is hinge connected atits rear to the intermediate portion of rod 30, such as by the use of aplurality of strap hinges 38, or the like. The opening and its door areintentionally offset and the door 22 is intentionally hinged at itsinner end. These things are done so that the frame member at the freeend of the door 22 is in juxtaposition with a side portion of main frame28. The importance of this arrangement is discussed below. I

, The bottom panel 12 also comprises a main frame 40 the confines ofwhich are closed by wire mesh material 42. As illustrated, top panelmain frame 28 and bottom panel main frame 40 are substantially equal insize.

For purposes of this description two of the side panels, designated 14and 16 in the drawing, will be referred to asthe double hinged sidepanels. The remaining two side panels, designated 18 and 20, will bereferred to as the single hinged side panels.

The side panels 14, 16, 18, 20 each comprises a rectangular metal wiremain frame at its periphery, respectively designated 44, 46, 48, 50.Each side panel 14, l6, 18, 20 also includes a pair of spaced apart,parallel, intermediate frame rods, respectively designated 52, 54; 56,58; 60, 62 and 64, 66. in each side panel the intermediate frame rodsand intermediate side portions of the main frame define an opening forreceiving an entrance tunnel 78. The tunnels 78, which will hereinafterbe described in detail, are all identical and are'interchangeable.Therefore, the tunnel receiving openings are made equal in size.

The single hinged side panels 18, 20 are shorter than the double hingedside panels 14, 16, by an amount X (see H0. 6) which is preferablyslightly larger than twice the thickness of the main frame forming wire(e.g., about one-half inch). The regions of the side panels l4, 16, 18,20 outwardly of the tunnel receiving openings are closed by wire mesh68, 70, 72, 74. FIG. shows the preferred construction of the side panelswith panel 14 being chosen to serve as an example. A

. length of relatively heavy wire is bent into a rectangular form andits two ends are welded together to form a frame 44. The rods 52, 54 arethen accurately welded into place within the frame 44. The wire meshsections 68 are formed from perpendicular sets of relatively lightweight wire lengths which are set into place and then machine spotwelded to each other and to the frame members.

Referring to FIG. 1, the preferred form of tunnel 78 comprises&rectangular entrance and exit frames constructed from relatively heavygauge metal wire. A plurality of relatively light gauge wire hoops, someof which are designated 84, are spaced apart between the entrance andexit frames 80,82. The end frames 80, 82 and these intermediate hoops 84are connected together by a plurality of longitudinal wire members, someof which are designated 86. The wire hoops progressively decrease insizefrom the large dimension entrance frame 80 down to the smalldimension exit frame 82. The entrance frame 80 is sized to closely matchthe dimensions of a side panel tunnel opening. in the illustratedembodiment each tunnel 78 is provided with a pair of upper and lowerhorizontal rods having hooks 88 at their ends. When a tunnel 78 iswithin a tunnel opening the hooks 88 may engage upper and lower portionsof the frame rods 52, 54; 56,

58; 60, 62 and 64, 66. The ends of the hooks 88 are curled inwardly sothat a rounded cam surface is pres-I ented which may be pressed againstthe tunnel opening defining rods (i.e. the tunnel opening frame). Whenthe tunnels 78 are pushed inwardly the rounded ends of the hooks 88 camthemselves past the rods 52, 54; 56, 58; 60, 62 and 64, 66 until theyare behind such rods. Tension members, such lengths of elastic material90 having hooks 92 at their opposite ends, may be intalled betweenopposite tunnels 78, to help retain such tunnels 78 in place.

As best shown by FIG. 2, all four tunnel walls 78 converge from theouter to the inner ends of the tunnels 78 so that the bottom panel orrunway of the tunnel 78 is elevated above the bottom of the trap atthe'inner end of the tunnel 78. The inner end of the tunnel is spacedbelow the plane of the trap top panel 10. The angle deflection of thefloor of each tunnel 78 from the plane of the trap bottom panel 12 isrelatively small so that a crab or the like entering the tunnel does nothave to climb a steep slope.

Crabs, etc. which have entered the trap are prevented from escaping backthrough the tunnels 78, by means of guards provided at the inner ends ofthe tunnel 78. Each tunnel guard may comprise a plurality of verticalrods 94 having an eye portion 96 formed at its upper end. The eyeportions 96 loosely surround the upper portions of the exit frames 82.The tunnel guards 94, 96 normally hang in the positions shown in FIG. 2.The guards 94, 96 can be freely moved pivotally away from the exitframes 82 of the tunnel 78 by the crabs, etc. as they enter the trap.Since the guards 94, 96 can only pivot inwardly they serve to block theexit openings and'prevent the crabs, etc. from leaving the trap backthrough the tunnels 78. Preferably, the exit frames 82 are set to leanoutwardly a slight amount from vertical so that gravity will hold theguards 94, 96 against the exit frames 82.

By way of typical and therefore nonlimitive example, one of the tensionstraps 90 may be used for supporting a bait box 98. The bait box 98 hasforaminous side walls so that bait juices can be leached out from asuitable bait (e.g., clams) placed in the box 98 for attracting thecrabs, etc. I

Thedouble hinged side panels 14, 16 are positioned opposite each otherand are hinge connected along their upper boundaries to the adjoiningside boundary of the top panel 10, and along their lower boundaries tothe adjoining lower boundaries of the panel 12, such as by means of aplurality of coil type hinges 100. In stallation of the hinge coils 100involves first bringing together the main frame members which are to beconnected. Then such members are together moved into the space betweenone end of a coil and the first full loop. Then the coil 100 is rotatedand in that manner screwed onto the two frame members. The centeropening through the coil member 100 is large enough so that both framemembers are loosely accomodated within such opening. Thus, unlessrestrained each hinged panel is freely swingable relative to the panelto To form an operative trap the several panels 10, l2, 14, 16, 18, 20are connected together into a rectangular box forming spacedrelationship. Preferably this is done by use of only four corner straps102. As best shown by FIG. 6, each corner strap 102 may comprise a pairof elongated U-shaped end hooks 104 interconnected by an elastic band106. Referring now to FIG. 1 the hook 104 of one of the connectors 102is brought into engagement with adjacent lower end portions of the sidepanel main frames 44, 50. Such connector 102 is then stretched and itssecond hook is engaged about adjacent portions of the main frames 28, 50for the top panel and side panel 20, respectively, at a location spacedinwardly from the corner of the trap. In like fashion the remainingthree connectors 102 are installed at the other three corners of thetrap. However, on the side of the trap whereat the free end of the door22 rests on a part of the top panel frame 28, the hooks 104 areadditionally brought into engagement with the door frame 34. In thismanner two of the connectors 102 further serve to secure the door 22shut, making it unnecessary to provide an additional connector means forthis purpose.

When the connectors 102 are all installed the panels l0, 12, 14, 16, 18,form a rigid box-like structure. The corner and edge boundaries of suchbox are defined by the peripheral frames of the several panels l0, l2,14, 16, 18, 20. Two frame rods of such frames exist at each corner ofthe trap and altogether they form the skeletal structure for the trap.Such skeletal structure is quite simple in nature while at the same timeis quite structurally adequate. The tunnel openings are simply definedby means of only a single pair of additional frame rods in combinationwith side portions of the main frames. The tunnels themselves areconstructed from a minimal number of parts, with the only heavy guageparts used being the two end frames 80, 82. When the tunnels 78 areinstalled the entrance frames 80 are placed contiguous the frame memberswhich define the tunnel openings. When in place the entrance frames 80provide bracing support for the side panels 14, 16, 18, 20.

The traps are set from a deck of a vessel and are allowed to stay in thewater for a period of time. Then, the traps are removed from the water,one by one. Door 22 is opened and the catch is removed from the trap. Iffishing is to continue, the door is closed and locked and the trap isreset. When it is desired to store a trap in a collapsed condition, itstunnels 78 are all removed (FIG. 7). The tunnels 78 are stacked one ontop of another, in nesting fashion, to be stored in this manner. Theconnectors 102 are then removed from the traps. Next, the short sidepanels 18, 20 are swung inwardly into the interior of the trap (FIG. 8).When this is done there is no longer any support for the top panel 10and the remaining (i.e., the double hinged) side panels 14, 16. Thesecomponents are collapsed into position which places one of such sidepanels 14, 16 and the top panel 10 down flat against the two short sidepanels 18, 20, the bottom panel 12, and the other double hinged sidepanels 14, 16 (P16. 9). The connectors 102 can now be reinstalled forsecuring the several panels together while in the collapsed position.For example, one hook can be installed onto a mesh portion of the toppanel, the strap being brought over the edge of the frames, and thesecond hook installed onto a mesh portion of the bottom panel.

The panel and tunnel portions of the trap are preferably galvanized orotherwise coated for the purpose of protecting against corrosion. Thehinges may be made from a soft iron material which will easily rust.This will require replacement of such hinges 100 from time to timeduring normal use of the trap. However, if for some reason the trapbecomes unrecoverable, the hinges 100 will rust within a short time tothe point that they will fall apart and cease to be connectors. This isimportant because it will result in the trap coming apart in the waterand ceasing to be a trap. If it were not for this feature, it is-quitepossible (and probable) that the trap would become a perpetual deathtrap. Crabs, etc. would continue to enter the trap, first after the baitin the bait box, and then after previously caught crabs, etc. in thetrap.

The mesh size of the various mesh regions is dictated by the animalbeing trapped. When the trap is used for catching crabs a mesh sizesubstantially equal to the mi a legal iz for ah s u edter s ly bout inchper side). T.

Obviously, changes may be made in the form, dimensions and arrangementof the parts of the trap without departing from the principle of theinvention. It is to be understood that the foregoing description ismerely a description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, andthat the invention is to be limited only by the scope of the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:

1. A collapsible trap of rectangular form comprising top and bottompanels, a first side panel which is hinge connected to both of said topand bottom panels, and a second side panel which is disposed oppositesaid first side panel and is also hinge connected to both of said toppanel and bottom panels, such arrangement enabling the top panel and oneof said side panels to be collapsed into a position generally againstthe bottom panel and the other said side panel; and the improvementcomprising: third and fourth side panels, each of which is hingeconnected to only one of the panels bounding it and is of proper size tobe folded inwardly against such bounding panel, releasible connectormeans for securing said top, bottom and side panels together in arectangular box forming spaced relationship, at least one of said sidepanels including an opening therein for receiving a rigid tunnel, and arigid tunnel insertable into and removable out from said opening, saidtunnel including means for holding it'in place in said opening and wallmeans defining a through passageway having entrance and exit openings atits respective ends, each said panel comprising a rectangular metal wiremain frame at its periphery and barrier forming wire mesh inwardly ofsaid main frame, and each tunnel supporting side panel furthercomprising a pair of spaced apart intermediate frame rods rigidlyinterconnected between upper and lower portions of such panels mainframe, said frame rods and the upper and lower portions of the mainframe extending therebetween together defining the tunnel opening, saidwire mesh forming barrier areas on each side of the tunnel opening.

2. A trap according to claim 1, wherein each said releasible connectormeans comprises a tension strap having a first hook at one of its endswhich engages and holds together adjoining end portions of the sidepanel main frames and a second hook at its opposite end which engagesadjoining main frame portions of both an unhinged side of the third sidepanel and the top or bottom panel adjacent thereto.

3. A trap according to claim 1, wherein said top panel further comprisesa pair of spaced apart intermediate frame rods rigidly interconnectedbetween opposite portions of the nonhinged sides of its main frame, anda door supporting intermediate rod rigidly interconnectedbetweenopposite portions of the hinged sides of its main frame, said rodstogether and with a portion of the main frame extending between the twointermediate frame rods defining a removal opening, said wire meshforming barrier areas outwardly of said opening, between themain frameand said rods, and a door for said opening comprising a metal wire mainframe at its periphery and barrier forming wire mesh inwardly of suchmain frame, and means hinge connecting a side portion of said main frameto said door supporting intermediate rod.

4. A trap according to claim 3, wherein said releasible connector meanscomprises a tension strap having a first hook at one of its ends whichengages and holds together adjoining end portions of the side panel mainframes and a second hook at its opposite end which engages adjoiningmain frame portions of the top panel, in the region thereof borderingthe removal opening,

and adjoining portions of the door and the main frame of the adjoiningside panel.

5. A trap according to claim 1, wherein each of the four side panelsincludes an opening for receiving a rigid tunnel, and a rigid tunnel ofthe character described is removably secured in each such opening.

6. A trap according to claim 5, wherein each panel comprises arectangular metal wire main frame at its periphery, and barrier formingwire mesh inwardly of said main frame, and wherein each said side panelfurther comprises a pair of spaced apart intermediate frame rods rigidlyinterconnected between upper and lower portions of such panels mainframe, said frame rods and the upper and lower portions of the mainframe extending therebetween together defining the tunnel opening, saidwire mesh forming barrier areas on each side of the tunnel opening.

7. A trap according to claim 6, wherein each said releasible connectormeans comprises a tension strap having a first hook at one of it endswhich engages and holds together adjoining end portions of the sidepanel main frames and a second hook at its opposite end which engagesadjoining main frame portions of both an unhinged side of the third sidepanel and the top or bottom panel adjacent thereto.

8. A trap according to claim 7, wherein said top panel further comprisesa pair of spaced apart intermediate frame rods rigidly interconnectedbetween opposite portions of the nonhinged sides of its main frame, anda door supporting intermediate rod rigidly interconnected betweenopposite portions of the hinged sides of the main frame, said rods andportions of the main frame extending between the two intermediate framerods all together defining a catch removal opening, said wire meshforming barrier means outwardly of said catch opening, between the mainframe, and said rods, and a door for said catch opening comprising ametal wire main frame and its periphery and barrier forming wire meshinwardly of such main frame, and hinge means hinge connecting a sideportion of said door main frame to said door supporting intermediaterod.

9. A trap according to claim 8, wherein said releasible connector meanscomprises a tension strap having a first hook at one of its ends whichengages and holds together adjoining end portions of the side panel mainframes and a second hook at its opposite end which engages adjoiningmain frame portions of the top panel, in the region thereof borderingthe removal opening, and adjoining portions of the door and the mainframe of the adjoining side panel.

1. A collapsible trap of rectangular form comprising top and bottompanels, a first side panel which is hinge connected to both of said topand bottom panels, and a second side panel which is disposed oppositesaid first side panel and is also hinge connected to both of said toppanel and bottom panels, such arrangement enabling the top panel and oneof said side panels to be collapsed into a position generally againstthe bottom panel and the other said side panel; and the improvementcomprising: third and fourth side panels, each of which is hingeconnected to only one of the panels bounding iT and is of proper size tobe folded inwardly against such bounding panel, releasible connectormeans for securing said top, bottom and side panels together in arectangular box forming spaced relationship, at least one of said sidepanels including an opening therein for receiving a rigid tunnel, and arigid tunnel insertable into and removable out from said opening, saidtunnel including means for holding it in place in said opening and wallmeans defining a through passageway having entrance and exit openings atits respective ends, each said panel comprising a rectangular metal wiremain frame at its periphery and barrier forming wire mesh inwardly ofsaid main frame, and each tunnel supporting side panel furthercomprising a pair of spaced apart intermediate frame rods rigidlyinterconnected between upper and lower portions of such panel''s mainframe, said frame rods and the upper and lower portions of the mainframe extending therebetween together defining the tunnel opening, saidwire mesh forming barrier areas on each side of the tunnel opening.
 2. Atrap according to claim 1, wherein each said releasible connector meanscomprises a tension strap having a first hook at one of its ends whichengages and holds together adjoining end portions of the side panel mainframes and a second hook at its opposite end which engages adjoiningmain frame portions of both an unhinged side of the third side panel andthe top or bottom panel adjacent thereto.
 3. A trap according to claim1, wherein said top panel further comprises a pair of spaced apartintermediate frame rods rigidly interconnected between opposite portionsof the nonhinged sides of its main frame, and a door supportingintermediate rod rigidly interconnected between opposite portions of thehinged sides of its main frame, said rods together and with a portion ofthe main frame extending between the two intermediate frame rodsdefining a removal opening, said wire mesh forming barrier areasoutwardly of said opening, between the main frame and said rods, and adoor for said opening comprising a metal wire main frame at itsperiphery and barrier forming wire mesh inwardly of such main frame, andmeans hinge connecting a side portion of said main frame to said doorsupporting intermediate rod.
 4. A trap according to claim 3, whereinsaid releasible connector means comprises a tension strap having a firsthook at one of its ends which engages and holds together adjoining endportions of the side panel main frames and a second hook at its oppositeend which engages adjoining main frame portions of the top panel, in theregion thereof bordering the removal opening, and adjoining portions ofthe door and the main frame of the adjoining side panel.
 5. A trapaccording to claim 1, wherein each of the four side panels includes anopening for receiving a rigid tunnel, and a rigid tunnel of thecharacter described is removably secured in each such opening.
 6. A trapaccording to claim 5, wherein each panel comprises a rectangular metalwire main frame at its periphery, and barrier forming wire mesh inwardlyof said main frame, and wherein each said side panel further comprises apair of spaced apart intermediate frame rods rigidly interconnectedbetween upper and lower portions of such panels main frame, said framerods and the upper and lower portions of the main frame extendingtherebetween together defining the tunnel opening, said wire meshforming barrier areas on each side of the tunnel opening.
 7. A trapaccording to claim 6, wherein each said releasible connector meanscomprises a tension strap having a first hook at one of it ends whichengages and holds together adjoining end portions of the side panel mainframes and a second hook at its opposite end which engages adjoiningmain frame portions of both an unhinged side of the third side panel andthe top or bottom panel adjacent thereto.
 8. A trap according to claim7, wherein said top panel further comprises a pair of spaced apartintermediate frame rods rigidly interconnected between opposite portionsof the nonhinged sides of its main frame, and a door supportingintermediate rod rigidly interconnected between opposite portions of thehinged sides of the main frame, said rods and portions of the main frameextending between the two intermediate frame rods all together defininga catch removal opening, said wire mesh forming barrier means outwardlyof said catch opening, between the main frame and said rods, and a doorfor said catch opening comprising a metal wire main frame and itsperiphery and barrier forming wire mesh inwardly of such main frame, andhinge means hinge connecting a side portion of said door main frame tosaid door supporting intermediate rod.
 9. A trap according to claim 8,wherein said releasible connector means comprises a tension strap havinga first hook at one of its ends which engages and holds togetheradjoining end portions of the side panel main frames and a second hookat its opposite end which engages adjoining main frame portions of thetop panel, in the region thereof bordering the removal opening, andadjoining portions of the door and the main frame of the adjoining sidepanel.